The Pat Kenny Show

David Attenborough once said the world’s ecosystem would collapse if all the bees, wasps, ants and flies were to disappear. So why are we allowing one third of them to be under threat of extinction?  Without insects, we wouldn’t have decomposition, nutrient recycling, seed spreading or pollination. But pollution, intensive farming and habitat loss are causing that to suffer.  All to discuss with Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin.

According to a survey released this week, almost 70% of school leaders reported that they had unfilled vacancies due to difficulties recruiting staff. More than 600 vacant teaching posts are still vacant. Pat discusses this issue with Teachers Union of Ireland President Anthony Quinn and also Principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís Aaron Wolfe.

A presidential race that was shaping up to be relatively uneventful has been shaken up by the surprise withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness due to health issues. Heather Humphries and Sean Kelly are potential nominees from Fine Gael. While pharma tycoon Gareth Sheridan attempts to secure a spot on the ticket, Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only official candidate at this stage.  All to discuss with Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent. 

We take a look back on the main news stories on the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Christina Finn, Political Editor, The Journal, Darren O’Rourke TD, Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Meath East, Sinn Féin and Aisling Dempsey TD, Spokesperson on Children, Meath West, Fianna Fáil.

The river seine, which carves its way through the heart of Paris has lifted a ban on bathing, which was in effect since 1923. This has been motivated of course by the sweltering heatwave which is eclipsing Europe at the moment.  Aside from Paris, many other major cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam actually encourage their locals to swim in their rivers.  But not in Dublin, as many know the River Liffey is not exactly a hotspot for local swimming enthusiasts, but why is that? 

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Alaska later today, with the US President's hopes of sealing a ceasefire agreement on Ukraine uncertain. We discuss this further with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews.

Gareth Mullins talks through an Irish Lamb, grilled on the barbeque served with this flavor packed green sauce, beef nachos and a  panzaella salad for entertaining this summer

The weekend is finally here, and that of course is the highly anticipated Oasis concert. The Manchester brothers will pay two sold-out reunion shows at Croke Park this weekend.  the last time the band were together in Ireland was in Slane in 2009, just weeks before they split.  Since the announcement of the tour last year, they’ve had collaborations with fashion brands, pop-up merch stores in cities across the UK and Ireland, partnerships with football teams and even a museum tour dedicated to the brothers. Newstalk reporter Alex Rowley got an exclusive look at one of these tours.  

There is plenty of sporting action this weekend, with the Premier League season kicking off, round 3 of the FAI cup, and golf’s big hitters taking to Maryland to battle it out, all to look forward to this weekend. Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball previews it all.

As Mairéad McGuinness drops out of the Presidential Race for health reasons, where does Fine Gael and the race go from here? Barry McLoughlin, Head of Client Engagement at the Communications Clinic and Sean Defoe Newstalk's Political Correspondent discuss that and the official launch of Gareth Sheridan’s campaign.

TikTok officially launched TikTok Shop in Ireland in late 2024 with 2.2 million monthly users now able to shop directly via videos, livestreams, and product showcases all within the app. Small Irish businesses can reach younger audiences but it how does it work and is it causing an increase in impulse buying. Is TikTok the next getaway for impulse buying? All to discuss with StyleSavvy founder Laura Jordan.

Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of its new Star of the Seas ship. It is the second if its Icon-class ships which are the largest cruise ships in the world. Eoghan Corry is currently aboard the ship on its maiden voyage and told us what the experience is like.

Car loans have hit the highest levels on record. That’s according to new data which shows a year on year increase in the volume and value of the car loan with almost 20,000 of them worth €259 million. Why is Ireland going on a car shopping spree? All to discuss with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent and Paul Merriman, Financial Advisor and CEO of AskPaul.

As we know the price of food staples are continuing to rise, so with grocery inflation only going one way, is there anything consumers can do to seek better value? Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte find out how people are finding the rise of costs and trying to save

An Garda Síochána have this morning published the Crowe Report. The report was a review of Roads Policing activity and operations, Pat was joined on the show by Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent, The Irish Times to discuss the findings.

Next month, Taoiseach Micháel Martin and Canadian Ambassador Dennis King are set to pay tribute to a little-known migration of 2,000 Irish people, who left from the port of Cobh to Canada back in 1825, in what is collectively known as the “Peter Robinson experiment”. To tell us more about this Pat spoke to Amanda Slattery, Development Manager with Ballyhoura Development CLG.

Scientists find link between genes and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, and a disturbance in gut bacteria . Early findings from the world’s largest study into the genetics of the condition pinpointed eight regions of the human genome that were substantially different in people with an ME/CFS diagnosis compared to those without the illness.  All to discuss with Luke O’Neill Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College and host of Show Me The Science podcast.

We are currently in the midst of what is being termed a “demographic timebomb”. Globally our population is shrinking, but while shrinking, it is also getting older. This is a trend that is likely to have profound consequences for the global economy.  How do falling birth rates effect our global economy? All to discuss with Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics DCU.

The fascinating life and untimely death of Robert Hilliard is the subject of a new book, ‘Swift Blaze of Fire,’ by his granddaughter, Lin Rose Clark. As well as a folk hero, Hilliard was one of Ireland’s first Olympians, and a complicated figure, to say the least. To tell us more about Hilliard, Cameron Hill from Off The Ball.

The Stranger Inside is the latest crime novel from Irish Times bestseller Amanda Cassidy. Amanda chatted to Pat this morning all about her writing process and new book.

Its August, which means families all over the country are gearing up for the return to schools. Uniforms, nametags, pencil cases, school books and school bags, the endless array of items needed to get their little ones through school. Jo Linehan give us advice to help you cut costs and emissions when returning to the classroom this September.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet tomorrow in Alaska to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump has previously promised to end the war in one day, but has described this meeting as purely a “listening exercise.” Volodimir Zelenskyy is also due to meet Keir Starmer in Downing Street prior to the Alaska summit. Will these meetings prove progressive and could a deal be on the table?  All to discuss with Donnacha Ó’Béachagáin Professor of Politics at DCU and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian imperialism in Ukraine and the near.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing to expand his friendship with North Korea, just this week reaffirming the relationship with the reclusive nation. But while North Korean soldiers and labourers are sent to Russia, what is in it for them and their nation?All to discuss with Robert E Kelly, Professor of Political Science, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea. 

New figures show that there is a sizeable gender gap in the leaving cert subject choice, with boys more likely than girls to be studying Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and other STEM subjects. Why is this so? Pat discusses this further with Stella O’Malley, Psychotherapist and Author and Brendan Gildea, Maths teacher and Author.

Tired, apathetic and unmotivated. These are some of the words associated with what many call “work burnout”. Many experiencing this burnout report a feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion, but what can be done to combat this? All to discuss with Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

Brazil Roberto Burle Marx arrived in the world in August 1909, born into culturally layered roots in SãoPaulo. His mother hailed from a French descended Brazilian family, his father from a German-Jewish lineage, and when the family moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1913, an early passion took seed. Under the gentle encouragement of his mother and beloved nanny, Roberto learned to sow seeds and tend blooms long before he could ever read a landscape plan. These formative years quietly nurtured a lifelong devotion to plants. Diarmuid Gavin bring us his gardening life story.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed that it has captured an Asian Hornet in Cork. The invasive species was reported by a member of the public and can have a devastating effect on the native honeybee population.

As we experience a heatwave here in Ireland, Europe too is experiencing high temperatures and wildfires right down to the Mediterranean. We get the latest here from Aoife Kealy of Met Éireann, from Rome with Josephine McKenna and from Madrid with Guy Hedgecoe

Over 40% of people get caught without cash on them according to a recent survey, are we moving towards a cashless society or will cash always be king to some? Henry McKean reports.  

A report for the UK government has suggested that stiffly formal driving testers might be making women feel ‘potential anxiety’, leading to a gender imbalance in pass rates. Also a rise in e-scooter crashes sparks brain injury warning following crackdown on the seizure of these vehicles. Councillors are now calling for education to warn of dangers of high speeds as illegal models are readily available from retailers. All to discuss with Conor Faughnan Transport Consultant. 

European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will virtually meet with US President Donald Trump today ahead of his summit with Vladimir Putin this Friday. But what would happen should the pair reach an agreement without Europe and Ukraine at the table? All to discuss with Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

This week on the Green Scene, how we are interrupting bird sleep, and a new deep ocean superhighway that has been discovered studying museum specimens. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Members of the Irish charity One4Humanity chat to Pat on their life saving work in Ukraine and Gaza. In studio this morning with Pat was Shane Leahy ex Munster rugby player and co-founder of One4Humanity, Professor Chris Fitzpatrick, Vice Chair of the UCD/Ukraine Trauma Programme and also Dr Lyudmyla Zakharchenko Consultant Neonatologist in Rotunda.

There is no denying that prices have gone up dramatically. We ask should we really be blaming farmers for rising food prices? Pat discusses this further with Denis Drennan, President Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association and John McManus, Duty Editor Irish Times.

As many people know, sometimes the harshest critic you will face throughout your life can be yourself. Many will be hindered by the unrealistic expectations they place upon their own shoulders. You may ask yourself questions like why haven’t I achieved this by now, or why don’t I own the car or house I always dreamt of? This can of course have several negative implications on a person’s mind.

Buying a laptop for a student is a big investment, and it's easy to get lost in all the specs. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins us to advise and answers listeners tech questions.

We have all heard the tag cowboy builder. Meaning a tradesperson who fails to carry out work to standard or for an agreed price. But what about cowboy customers? Do we have false expectations over the quality and cost in which work can be done?  All to discuss with Peter Finn, Aka Pete the Builder from the series 'Home Rescue'. 

As the sun is making somewhat of a return, it is important to remind ourselves of just how crucial it is for all us, regardless of whether the sun is high in the sky or not, to be protected by sun cream to protect ourselves against the risk of skin cancer. Gill Costelloe has twice been diagnosed with skin cancer and now knows all too well of the impact that the diagnosis can have on anyone’s life. Gill joined Pat this morning.

The kidnapping of Gena Heraty in Haiti has garnered international attention in recent days. However, American aid worker Jeff Frazier, who was kidnapped in Haiti in 2023, claims this was a ‘misstep’ that may work against Heraty. He instead recommends a secretive approach to negotiation. He joins us to discuss this, as well as the political situation in Haiti and his experience of his own kidnapping.

Since 2005, 2,119 pubs have closed across the country, which represents a 25 percent overall decline in the total number of pubs. Many in the industry are looking to the government in hope of a solution. To discuss further Pat spoke to Donal O’Keefe, Chief Executive of Licensed Vintners’ Association of Ireland.

Donald Trump yesterday announced that he was putting Washington DC’s police department under federal control and deploying the National Guard to combat a wave of crime despite statistics showing violent crime falling. We discuss this and more with Larry Donnelly Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist with The Journal.

Despite over 90% of educational institutions in Gaza having been destroyed since the start of Israel’s war in the territory, teachers in the Occupied West Bank are finding ways to educate Gazans remotely. Sally Hayden, Irish Times Correspondent brings us the details.

Ciara Geraghty began writing at the age of 34 when she had two young children at home and was working in insurance. Now the bestselling Irish novelist is on her tenth book, Late Learner, which is published by HarperCollins. Ciara joined Pat in studio this morning.

Every years issues around student accommodation shortages are raised. On top of high rents and limited supply, Gardai have now issued a warning about rising incidents of rental scams in the student market. Our reporter Jessica Woodlock has been looking into this.

Writing a will can be a daunting task even for young, healthy people. but if you die without a will, your loved ones will find it much more difficult to gain access to your finances and make your final arrangements. What are the best ways to legally prepare for that eventuality?  Our expert today to answer all these questions was John Costello Solicitor at Noble Law Solicitors Past President of The Law Society of Ireland. 

Best-selling author Lynda La Plante has written dozens of books and screenplays, including the award-winning prime suspect. Her latest, The Scene of the Crime, was released last month.  Lynda chatted to Pat about her new book.

With the October presidential election looming large, what really makes a good campaign? From finance to face, what does the Irish electorate value in a candidate? In a rapidly changing political landscape, what really counts when it comes to the campaign?  Is money needed to succeed? How important is personal image in the race for the Áras? All to discuss with Eoin O’Malley,  Professor of Politics at DCU on political spending and also Barry McLoughlin  Head of Client Engagement at the Communications Clinic. 

From Japanese knotweed to giant hogweed to the much fabled rhododendron. What do you do about invasive plants in your garden? And how can you actually identify them? Paul Smyth talks us through how to manage invasive plants that may have appeared in your garden.

Pól O’Conghaile Travel Editor at the Irish Independent has just returned from Mallorca and he brings us tips and what to do and see there.All with thanks to Ryanair.

Why do some people take comfort in horror movies while others can only relax with a comedy? We’ll find out with UCD School of Psychology Assistant Professor and Director of the Media and Entertainment Psychology Lab Dr. Brendan Rooney.